Delta police hunt for killers of retired judge

From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri

The  Delta State Police Command  has launched a manhunt for a man alleged to be the ‘principal suspect’ for the murder of a retired judge, Justice Ifeoma Okogwo in Asaba, the state capital.

The judge was found dead, her hands, legs, and mouth bound.

Delta. State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), SP Bright Edafe,who disclosed this in a statement yesterday,  said that on November 24, 2025, the DPO ‘A’ Division Asaba received a complaint from the brother of Justice Ifeoma Okogwo (Rtd) that he visited her residence only to discover her lifeless body in the sitting room with her hands, legs and mouth tied.

He said that upon receipt of the complaint, the DPO swiftly led men to her residence, where the corpse was evacuated and taken to the mortuary for autopsy.

Edafe said that one suspect, Lucky Matthew, was arrested, while the principal suspect, Godwin Vanem, is presently at large.

On the directive of the Commissioner of Police (CP ) Olufemi Abaniwonda, , he said that the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department( SCID) for discreet investigation.

According to him,”preliminary investigation revealed that the said Godwin Vanem is suspected of having committed the dastardly act and fled the apartment. The command has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspect.

Meanwhile, CP Abaniwonda, on behalf of the command,  condoled with the family of the deceased and assures them of justice.

“Anyone with any useful information that can help in the investigation can reach the command.”